C51 Judgment

With that being said, two people stood in front of Osiris. The very first was a woman. She stood before the circle of judgment patiently. While she stood in the circle, a humanoid wolf appeared before her.

"Maria! Why are you here?" The figure asked.

"I- I was murdered, my lord," Maria replied as tears ran down her eyes.

"Hm...why were you murdered? Do you know?" The figure asked, as his wolf eyes looked fiercely into Maria's eyes.

"I don't know, my lord. All I remember was being in the brothel with a client. He would usually come to me for massages, and sex at times. Some time along the way, I started getting threats and steers from his wife and other women. I didn't want anything more to do with her husband except for work, but...his wife never believed me. So, one day, we got into an argument. His wife threatened to kill me. I'm used to threats like this, so I paid no ear to her warnings and proceeded with my work.

Today, on my way home, I was followed by four men. They mocked me, stripped me, whipped me, and defiled me." Maria explained as she broke down crying.

Unfortunately for her, her tears didn't move the heart of this wolf-like creature. Instead, it seemed to be angered and irritated by this.

"Did I ask you for your explanation?" The wolf-like man sneered aggressively.

Impatience, annoyance, and wrath were written all over him.

Scared, Maria tried to explain herself, but she knew doing so will enrage this beast. So, she gave in.

"I- No, you did not. Sorry." Maria apologized helplessly.

"I don't need your apologies." The creature replied.

"Is this your claim, or what do you plead?" The creature asked.

"I- I don't understand, my lord. What do you mean?" Maria replied.

"What is your plea? Do you want us to proceed with the trial, or do you want to plead for a weighted trial?" The creature asked.

After the explanation, Maria took some time to decide her answer. When she finally decided the best route for her, she replied. "I plead for a weighted trial, my lord."

"Very well." The wolf-like creature replied.

After that, a silver scale appeared before her. It was huge and mystical, giving off an odd silver aura. Nevertheless, it was beautiful. On the scale, there was an imprint written on it, "Ma'at's Scale of Justice". It had two weighted plates on each end of the scale. On the right plate, there was a white feather placed. While the left plate was left empty.

Immersed by the beauty of the scale, Maria stared intently at the scale as she tried to understand the wonder that floated before her.

Seeing this, the wolf-like creature smiled tauntingly, as a beating heart appeared on its hand. It then proceeded to place the heart on the left plate of the scale slowly. This action scared Maria to unbelievable degrees. If her heart is unqualified to enter the afterlife, she will be sent to the underworld where she would face all eternity in torment and hardship for living a defiled and unrighteous life.

---

Once her heart was placed, the weight didn't move at first. It was not until later before the weights were tipped. While the weights were moving, the four judges on the high pillars moved forward for a closer look. Even Osiris and the others were looking intently at the movement of the weight.

Once the results were in, everyone was surprised. Maria's heart was qualified to make it to the afterlife. Her heart weighed slightly less than the feather. In other words, Maria didn't live a pure life. However, in all her indulges, her good actions outweighed her sinful deeds. Thus, making her qualified for a place in the afterlife.

Once her fate was settled, one of the Hades judges announced out loud.

"Maria, you have lived a rather troublesome but hopeful life. You were born into poverty, lacking both the love and care of your parents. You were neglected and abused for the most part of your life. These things lead you to become a cunning thief, who stole from people. However, due to these things and more, you found refuge in the brothel, where no one judged or reviled you unjustly. You were always fixed on your work, and your goal to get out of the deprived town you lived in.

Nevertheless, you have also lived a good life. Despite the hardships you encountered, you also strived to live a decent life. Giving to the poor, feeding the hungry deprived children, clothing the naked, and giving shelter to the homeless. You have even nursed and catered for sojourners whom you came across on multiple occasions of your life. Now, your kind actions have been attested on your behalf.

So, I, Ma'at, want to congratulate you. Thank you for living a good life." Ma'at said calmly.

After that was said, the Ma'at looked down at the creature standing in front of her and nodded his head.

Seeing this, the creature nodded its head in acknowledgment.

"How does the court declare Maria?" The Creature asked respectfully.

"I, Thotra declare and acquit Maria as Innocent" Another Hades Judge declared.

"I, Amun declare and acquit Maria as Innocent", The third Hades Judge declared.

I, Seshat declare and acquit Maria as Innocent", The fourth Hades Judge declared.

Once Maria's fate was finally declared, the wolf-like creature nodded its head and turned towards Maria with a smile on its face. After that, the creature went on to declare the result.

"On the behalf of the Court. I, Anubis, the god of mummification, The afterlife, Cemeteries, tombs, and the underworld. Declare you, Maria, Innocent and acquitted from eternal judgment and torment in Hades. Plus, I hereby grant you rest in my afterlife. Welcome to the underworld." Anubis declared.

After that, a long magical staff appeared in the hands of Anubis. With great quaking force, Anubis hit his staff against the ground. Which subsequently summoned a magical door in front of Maria. The door was huge and dominant. Having rims of gold, and fine cedar woods for its doors. To the eyes of others, the door looked like a blinding beam of golden light. But to Maria, Anubis, and the Hades Judges, the door could be seen for what it was.

Once the door appeared, it magically opened itself for Maria to enter. Then Anubis stretched his hands towards the opened door as a gesture signaling Maria to enter the afterlife. With that, Maria happily obliged and she ran into the afterlife with great joy in her heart.

*****